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Amanda F Terry-Fall

Direct Payments of Up to $1,500 Proposed for Millions as ACA Deadline Nears Millions of Americans may soon see direct payments of $1,000–$1,500 added to their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) under a new Republican proposal introduced this week. The plan comes as 23 million people face higher health care costs in January, with lawmakers still deadlocked over whether to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expiring on December 31. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho unveiled a bill that would shift funding away from insurance companies and send the money directly to Americans. Their proposal closely aligns with former President Donald Trump’s recent push to redirect ACA subsidies into HSAs. Under the plan, ACA enrollees earning under 700% of the federal poverty level would receive: • $1,000 for adults ages 18–49 • $1,500 for adults ages 50–64 The funds would be tax-free, roll over each year, and could be used for qualified medical expenses — but not for abortion or gender-transition services. The proposal also includes restoring cost-sharing reduction payments, expanding access to catastrophic plans, and cutting Medicaid funding to states offering coverage to undocumented immigrants. Democrats are still pushing for a two- to three-year extension of the enhanced ACA subsidies and are expected to force a Senate vote later this week. That vote is likely to fail due to lack of Republican support, but both parties agreed to hold it as part of the deal to reopen the government after the record federal shutdown. What remains uncertain is whether the Cassidy-Crapo plan will gain enough backing among Senate Republicans. The conference is reviewing multiple competing ideas — including the CARE Act — during a closed-door meeting this week. With the deadline approaching and January costs rising, millions of Americans are watching closely to see which plan — if any — becomes law.

Amanda F Terry-Fall

Trump’s Proposed $2,000 Tariff Dividend: Key Mistakes to Avoid President Donald Trump’s proposed “tariff dividend” would send $2,000 checks to low- and middle-income Americans, funded by tariff revenue from imported goods. While the idea has generated excitement, the payment is far from guaranteed and comes with several potential pitfalls for households expecting it. Experts say the first mistake is spending the money before it arrives. The plan still requires congressional approval, and the Supreme Court is reviewing the administration’s tariff authority. Even if approved, checks may not arrive until mid-2026 — or later. Consumers are also being warned about scams, including fake “early application” websites and social-media ads. The Better Business Bureau says there is no sign-up process for the tariff dividend and stresses that federal programs never require pre-registration through unofficial sites. Another major question is whether the money will be taxable. Financial experts note that past stimulus checks were structured as tax credits and were not considered taxable income — but no IRS guidance exists yet for this proposal. Families are advised to keep records and prepare for the possibility of tax reporting. Analysts also recommend avoiding spending the check on non-essentials. A $2,000 payment can disappear quickly. Using it to pay overdue bills, reduce high-interest debt, or build an emergency fund provides the most long-term benefit. Households receiving income-based benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, or housing assistance should also verify whether a one-time payment could temporarily affect their eligibility. And finally, experts warn that inflation could reduce the value of the check if it arrives later than expected. Saving or investing part of the money may help offset future price increases. Overall, the proposed dividend may help families — but only if used wisely, and only if it becomes a reality.

LataraSpeaksTruth

December 8, 2019 felt like the world finally looked up and saw what had been glowing the whole time. When Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa claimed the Miss Universe crown, she didn’t just win a title… she completed a historic sweep. For the first time ever, all five major global beauty crowns were held by Black women at the same time. Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss America… every stage, every spotlight, every headline carried a face that had been overlooked for generations. But on that night, the standard shifted for good. What made Zozibini’s win cut even deeper was how she dared to show up. Short natural hair. Dark skin. No apology, no shrinking, no bending to old expectations. She stood there with that quiet blaze, speaking about leadership, self-confidence, and a beauty that stands firm instead of folding. It wasn’t just a crown, it was a declaration. A reminder that representation doesn’t tiptoe… it walks in like it belongs, because it finally does. For young girls watching around the world, especially the ones who never saw themselves in spaces like this, her victory whispered something steady… you are not the exception, you are the mirror. And this moment wasn’t diversity for show. It wasn’t a trend. It was a once-in-history alignment born from decades of fighting to expand what the world calls beautiful. This remains one of the most powerful images of global representation… and it deserves its place in every timeline we refuse to let fade. #ZozibiniTunzi #MissUniverse #BlackHistory #RepresentationMatters #BeautyReimagined #LataraSpeaksTruth

Category: News - Page 31 | LocalHood